Irrigation system and volume control valve therefor

ABSTRACT

The disclosure is directed to a center pivot irrigation system capable of operation under high or low water pressure and a constant volume sprinkler head therefor, which together provide uniform water distribution over an agricultural field notwithstanding the presence of hills and valleys in the field, pressure fluctuations of the water source, friction losses or the direction or magnitude of the wind. The system employs a plurality of sprinkler heads each of which provides a constant volume of water to the annular area over which it travels. Because the annular areas increase in size and total water requirements with increasing distance from the center pivot, the water delivering capacity of each sprinkler head is chosen as a direct function of its radial distance from the center pivot, thus insuring the same water distribution to all points on the field. Each sprinkler head is designed to produce a spray pattern that extends laterally outward with a predetermined directional orientation. A vertical tail or rudder associated with the sprinkler head acts in weather vane fashion to direct the directional spray pattern into the wind at all times, thus preventing the water spray from being blown from its intended area, which results in nonuniform distribution. The sprinkler heads are also constructed for tipping relative to a vertical axis, and ailerons extending laterally from the rudder act to tip the head and spray pattern downward to a degree in the face of particularly strong winds, thus insuring that the water reaches its destination.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 971,038, filed Dec. 19, 1978,which issued on Nov. 4, 1980 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,523, and which was acontinuation of Ser. No. 765,266, filed Feb. 3, 1977, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally related to water distributing systems anddevices, and is specifically directed to a center-pivot, fieldirrigation system capable of operating at low or high water pressure,and a constant-volume sprinkler head for such irrigation systems.

Center-pivot irrigation systems typically comprise an extremely longwater conduit "arm", which is pivotally connected at one end to a sourceof water under pressure. The conduit arm is carried in an elevatedposition, usually by a plurality of radially spaced wheeled towers whichare powered by hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical motors to rotatablysweep the conduit arm through and over a circular field. The conduit armincludes a predetermined number of water sprinkling heads, which areradially spaced over its length and constructed to distribute a spray ofwater on the circular or annular field area over which they pass.

Center-pivot irrigation systems have strongly and successfullyestablished themselves in the farming community. Although initiallyexpensive, they presently represent one of the most efficient manners ofirrigation, insuring that most of the crop receives an adequate supplyof water and thus increasing crop yield.

For some period of time, center-pivot irrigation systems have operatedat reasonably high water pressure, typically on the order of 70 psi.This has been environmentally and economically unsound, since suchlevels of operation require more elaborate pumping equipment, as well asconduit and sprinkler heads capable of withstanding such pressures. Highpressure equipment is more expensive to operate due to fuel consumption.Further, the extreme pressure causes substantial evaporation of thewater for at least two reasons. First, the water is often propelledthrough the air for significant distances where higher pressures areused, and the more exposure to the air, particularly when it is dry, thegreater the degree of evaporation. Secondly, irrigation systems of thistype often create a spray by directing a high velocity water jet againsta deflector. The resulting spray is a fine mist, at least in part, whichis highly subject to evaporation before it reaches the ground, and theproblem is severely compounded by windy conditions, which also tend toblow the spray away from the intended area.

Consequently, many of the newer systems have been designed to operate atlow water pressure, typically on the order of 20 psi. Lower pressuresclearly have the advantage of less operating cost, and there is usuallyless evaporation under still conditions. However, evaporation andmisdirection of the spray pattern have continued to be a problem underwindy conditions, resulting in erratic and nonuniform distribution ofwater over the field. Nonuniform distribution is even more pronouncedwhere differences in elevation occur in the field even where suchdifferences are not great. A severe pressure drop occurs wherever thereis any degree of elevational difference in the conduit arm. This resultsin poor water distribution in the high areas of the field, whereas overwatering occurs in the low spots. Thus, the field becomes "spotted" withareas which have received too little or too much irrigation, and much orall of the advantage of low pressure irrigation is lost. This is not, ofcourse, conducive to optimum crop yield.

The inventive irrigation system and sprinkler head therefore are theresult of an endeavor to develop a low pressure center-pivot systemcapable of uniformly distributing water over the field notwithstandingdifferences in elevation or windy conditions, and that overcomes highpercentage water losses due to evaporation.

The irrigation system comprises an elevated conduit arm that ispivotally connected to a stationary point (usually the well pipe), andis powered to rotatably sweep through and over the field. The systemfurther comprises a plurality of sprinkler heads spaced over the lengthof the conduit arm, each of which is constructed to create a sprayformed from water droplets that are large enough to resist being blownoff-course by the wind, but not so large as to damage farm plants thatmay be small and fragile after sprouting and during early development.

Because the area of a circular field increases exponentially as thefield radius increases, the system must be properly designed to insurethat the sprinkler heads have the capacity to cover the entire fieldwith a sufficient volume of water, and that this predetermined volume isuniformly distributed even without elevation differences or windyconditions. Thus, assuming that the sprinkler heads are equidistantlyspaced, each successive head in the radially outward direction generallymust have a greater output capacity since the annular area which itoverlies is greater than the annular area which next precedes it. Statedotherwise, although the annular band width of all sprinkler head areasmay be essentially constant with equidistant spacing, each successivearea nevertheless increases appreciably because its effective radiusincreases. Accordingly, the output capacity of each sprinkler head mustbe chosen to deliver the proper volume of water per unit of time basedon the specific area which it overlies and serves.

Although I prefer increasing the output capacity of successive sprinklerheads as a function of their radial distance from the pivot point, itwould be possible to use sprinkler heads of the same output capacity anddecrease the spacing therebetween as a function of increasing radialdistance from the pivot point. Because the output capacity of my uniquesprinkler head can be varied much more easily (due to interchangeabilityof control components) than can sprinkler head spacing on the conduitarm, the equidistant spacing approach is strongly preferred. This isparticularly so since proper water distribution is necessarilyconditioned on geographic area, annual rainfall, type of crop and thelike. Further, many existing systems already have equidistantly spacedsprinkler heads but can be readily converted to the inventive system.

Having designed the system to be capable of uniform and sufficient waterdistribution over the entire field, the problem of pressure fluctuationsdue to differences in elevation can be overcome on an individualsprinkler head basis. This is accomplished through the use of a volumecontrol device within the sprinkler head that maintains a constantvolume output even in the face of water pressure fluctuations in theconduit arm. Thus, assuming that water under a predetermined minimumpressure of sufficient volume is always supplied to the conduit arm, theindividual sprinkler heads respond to the delivered pressure anddistribute the same volume of water in the same spray pattern throughoutall phases of the operation.

I have overcome the problem of wind affects by designing a sprinklerhead that creates a flow pattern that is less than 360° , and which isalways directed into the wind. This is specifically accomplished with adeflector designed to create the desired flow pattern upon impingment bya low pressure water jet. The deflector is mounted for rotation in anessentially horizontal plane and includes a wind-sensitive vane thatalways keeps the deflector in a position directing the spray into thewind. The deflector is also constructed to be tipped about anessentially horizontal axis, and aileron-like devices are also includedwhich cause the deflector to tip under severe windy conditions,directing the spray pattern somewhat downward as well as into the wind.

I have found that the inventive low pressure, center-pivot irrigationsystem employing these unique sprinkler heads successfully combats theproblem of uneven water distribution and spotty crop production due todifferences in elevation, windy conditions, friction loss and waterevaporation. Further, since the sprinkler head is designed withcomponent interchangeability in mind, an irrigation system can be customdesigned to the conditions of a specific field with very littledifficulty.

The inventive irrigation system and sprinkler head include a number ofadditional advantageous structural features, which will become apparentfrom the drawings and description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of a low pressure,center-pivot irrigation system embodying the inventive concept;

FIG. 2 is a schematic and graphic representation of the irrigationsystem and one-half of the field which the system irrigates;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view in side elevation of a sprinkler headconstructed in accordance with the inventive concept;

FIG. 4 is a view in top plan of the sprinkler head;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the sprinkler headtaken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4, showing the component constructionin detail in a first operating state;

FIG. 6 is a further fragmented view of FIG. 4 with the sprinkler head ina second operating position;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the sprinkler head taken alongthe line 7--7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the sprinkler head taken alongthe line 8--8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a spray deflector used in thesprinkler head;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of an alternativeembodiment of portions of the sprinkler head;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 11--11 ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a constant-volume flow control deviceused in the alternative sprinkler head;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 5 ofan alternative embodiment of the sprinkler head, in a first operatingposition;

FIG. 14 is a further enlarged fragmentary sectional view of thesprinkler head shown in a second operating position;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 15--15 ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment in perspective view of an auxiliaryflow structural component for the sprinkler head;

FIG. 17 is a view in bottom plan of the auxiliary flow component of FIG.16;

FIG. 18 is a further alternative embodiment in perspective view of anauxiliary flow structural component for the sprinkler head; and

FIG. 19 is a view in bottom plan of the auxiliary flow component of FIG.18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With initial reference to FIG. 1, a center-pivot irrigation systemconstructed for operation at low water pressures is representedgenerally by the numeral 11. Irrigation system 11 consists of anextremely long water conduit "arm", which is made up of a plurality ofconduit sections 12a-12g which are serially connected to permit the flowof water over the entire length. One end of the conduit arm is pivotallyconnected to a source of water under pressure, such as a well pipe, andthis connection is generally designated 13 in FIG. 1. The conduit arm iscarried in an elevated position by a plurality of wheeled "towers"14a-14g, the towers being disposed at the interconnection points of theconduit sections 12a-12g as shown. As such, there are the same number oftowers as conduit sections, thus providing adequate support for theentire length of the water conduit arm. Supportive structure for each ofthe conduit sections 12a-12g is generally designated 15 in FIG. 1.

As is well known in the art, the wheeled towers 14a-14g are motivatedhydraulically, pneumatically or electrically in a coordinated manner sothat the conduit arm rotatably sweeps through and over a field relativeto the center pivot 13.

Each of the conduit sections 12a-12g includes a plurality of watersprinkling or spray heads 16 which are equidistantly spaced over theentire length of the water conduit arm. With additional reference toFIG. 2, it will be seen that the irrigation system 11 is designed toirrigate a circular field having a diameter of 2800 feet, which isapproximately 1/2 mile. Thus, the water conduit arm has a radial lengthof 1400 feet, and each of the 7 conduit sections 12a-12g is 200 feetlong and includes 20 equidistantly spaced spray heads 16 to distributewater over its associated annular area. Thus, this particular irrigationsystem includes 140 spray heads which are designed to deliver apredetermined volume of water as described in further detail below. Itwill be appreciated to the person of ordinary skill that this irrigationsystem is exemplary, and it is possible for the system to be of varyinglengths, depending on the field size, with varying numbers of conduitsections. The irrigation system may also include a greater or lessornumber of spray heads having different volume flow capabilities, theobjective being to distribute a predetermined volume of water onto thefield in a given amount of time as uniformly as possible.

As shown in FIG. 2, the circumferential distance traveled by each sprayhead varies significantly based on its radial distance from the centerpivot 13. The figures extending radially outward to the left in FIG. 2represent the circumferential distances traveled by the respectivetowers 14a-14g as they move through the field. As an exemplarycomparison, the outermost tower 14g travels approximately 4398 feet inone revolution of the conduit arm, whereas the innermost tower 14atravels only 628 feet through the same revolution. Thus, the tower 14gtravels seven times the distance traveled by tower 14a, and a comparisonof the volume of water distributed by a spray head 16 proximate thetower 14g and one proximate the tower 14a must reflect the difference intravel. Generally, where the spray heads 16 are equidistantly spacedover the length of the conduit arm, as with the irrigation system 11,the water distributing capacity of a given spray head must beestablished as a function of its radial distance from the center pivot13. In the preferred embodiment, each spray head 16 has a waterdistributing capacity which is directly related to the distance ittravels and the annular area which it irrigates; and its capacity inthis respect is therefore greater than the spray head 16 which isradially inboard and less than that of the spray head 16 which is nextradially outboard. It may also be possible to arrange the spray head 16in groups or sets of two or three having the same water distributingcapacity, with the set capacity increasing as a function of radialdistance from the center pivot.

Where each spray head 16 has a different water distributing capacity, asin the preferred embodiment, I also prefer to identify each one withsome type of symbol which is visually discernible at a distance. Thus,with reference to FIG. 3, the spray head 16 shown in side elevationincludes the numberal "1", which quickly identifies it as the first orinnermost spray head 16 in the conduit arm. Of course, the spray headidentification may vary from system to system. For example, rather thana progressing continuous number sequence, it may be desirable to alsoidentify the spray head by a letter which corresponds to the particularconduit section to which it belongs; e.g., A-1, 2, 3. . . 20; B-1, 2, 3.. . 20, etc. The objective of spray head identification is that the userbe capable of quickly identifying the specific position of a specificspray head simply by observation. This is highly important where thesystem is custom designed to a particular field, and the agriculturaluser is not well versed on water distributing capacity in terms ofoutlet orifice sizes, inlet pressures, volume control rates and thelike.

FIGS. 3-9 disclose the specific construction of a spray head 16 which isuniform throughout the system, with the exception that some of thecomponents are interchangeable to vary its water distributing capacity.

Each spray head 16 is connected directly to its associated section ofthe water conduit arm for fluid communication therewith. This isaccomplished through the use of an adapter 17 which is rigidly securedto the conduit section, as by a threaded connection, and which includesa threaded nipple 18 (FIG. 5). Each of the spray heads 16 includes anupright housing 21 generally taking the form of an enclosed bowl, thelower end of which defines an internally threaded inlet permitting it tobe rigidly screwed onto the threaded nipple 18 to define a housinginlet. The housing 21 in turn consists of a lower bowl portion 22 and acover portion 23 which are threadably or otherwise mated as best shownin FIGS. 5 and 6. The upper end of the cover 23 defines a central outletdisposed in axial alignment with the housing inlet and the threadednipple 18.

A nozzle member 24 of circular cross section and having an outlet ofpredetermined diameter is sized to frictionally project through theoutlet of housing 21, being held in place by a retaining flange 24a. Theouter diameter of the retaining flange 24a corresponds to the innerdiameter of a cylindrical member 25 which projects axially downward inalignment with the housing inlet and outlet. Cylindrical member 25 isintegrally formed with the cover 23 and open at its lower end. A conicalfilter screen 26 is held in place over the open end of the cylindricalmember 25 by a retaining clip 27 or other suitable means.

A ring 28 is secured to the inner surfaces of cylindrical member 25,axially spaced from the end surface of the flange 24a to define anannular recess. A resilient washer 31 is disposed in the annular space,having a thickness generally corresponding thereto. In its normal form,resilient washer 31 is concavo-convex so that its outlet side is spacedfrom the end surface of the flange 24a with the exception of aperipheral region of contact with the flat undersurface of the flange24a. Washer 31 is formed with a fluid control passage 31a which is ofuniform internal diameter in its normal state, such diameter beingsomewhat less than the internal diameter of the nozzle member 24.

As described, the resilient washer 31 serves as a control element tomaintain the output of the spray head 16 at an essentially constantvolume notwithstanding fluctuations of water pressure within the waterconduit arm. More specifically, water entering the housing 21 throughthe threaded nipple 18 generally takes the form of a water jet. Uponstriking the conical screen 26, it is dispersed outwardly to exert auniform force over the bottom surface of washer 31. The washer 31 isdesigned to resiliently deform over a predetermined range of pressures.In the lower range, the washer 31 maintains the conical form shown inFIG. 5, and the control passage 31a remains in its widest position topermit the greatest volume of water to pass therethrough. At the higherend of the pressure range, the washer 31 deforms toward and ultimatelyinto a flat position as shown in FIG. 6, increasingly engaging the flatundersurface of flange 24a, with the passage 31a becoming more and morerestrictive on the inlet side. This has the effect of restricting thevolume of water passing through and into the nozzle member 24. However,the volume of water is essentially the same since the pressure isincreased to deliver the same amount of water through the smallerpassage.

Between the lowest and highest pressures, the resilient washer 31deforms in a modulating manner so that the proper volume of flow alwaysleaves the nozzle 24.

The annular space between the outer surface of the cylindricalprojection 25 and the inner surface of the housing 21 serves to captureair, which is compressed by the water within the housing 21. Thiscompressed air serves as the shock absorber to rapid pressurefluctuations within the water conduit arm, thus preventing watervibration.

As pointed out above, the housing 21 of each spray head 16 is rigidlyand immovably secured to the associated conduit section by the adapter17. Each spray head 16 also consists of a frame 32 which is movablerelative to the housing 21 in three respects which are described below.Frame 32 consists of a normally vertical upright member 33 having threespaced horizontal projections 34-36. The projections 34, 35 serve as themovable interconnection between the frame 32 and housing 21, as bestshown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8. As particularly shown in FIG. 7, projection35 terminates in a collar 35a which completely encircles the nozzlemember 24, but which is slightly elongated in its inner dimension topermit a limited amount of movement. Similarly, projection 34 terminatesin a collar 34a which completely encircles the extreme lower end of thehousing 21, but is even more elongated in its inner dimension to permita greater degree of movement of the frame 32 relative to the housing 21.The collars 34a, 35a are in essential alignment with the vertical axisof the housing 21. As particularly shown in FIG. 5, collar 35a rests onand is supported by the extreme top of housing 21, and the materialsfrom which these respective components are formed permit a low friction,bearing relationship so that the frame 32 may easily be rotated aboutthe vertical axis of the housing 21. Further, by reason of the elongatedinner dimension of the collars 34a, 35a, the movable frame may be tippedon the order of 10°-15° (see the broken line representation of FIG. 3),such tipping movement occurring relative to the bearing engagement ofthe collar 35a relative to the top of housing 21. As such, the tippingmovement is essentially rotated about a horizontal axis passing throughor proximate the top of housing 21. It will be appreciated that thishorizontal tipping axis could be more precisely defined were the frame32 to be pivotally pinned relative to the housing 21. However, I preferthe described structure because of its simplicity and economy ofmanufacture.

With specific reference to FIGS. 3-6 and 9, the projection 36 terminatesin a bearing member 36a having an irregularly shaped bearing passagewhich slidably receives a shaft 37 of similar cross sectional shape. Theirregular configuration, which is a segment of a circle (FIG. 4) enablesthe shaft to slide up and down vertically, while at the same timeprecluding rotation of the shaft 37 within the bearing 36a.

A spray deflector 38 is integrally formed at the bottom of shaft 37, anddisposed in overlying relationship to the nozzle member 34. Deflector 38is circular in shape in the preferred embodiment, including a centralrecess 38a and a plurality of radially disposed vanes 38b. As shown inFIG. 9, the vanes 38b are disposed in the plane of the recess 38a, andthus cause water received from the nozzle member 24 to be deflectedradially outward into a spray pattern of predetermined configuration. Asshown in FIG. 4, the pattern extends circumferentially on the order of180°; the thickened portion of deflector 38 immediately rearward of therecess 38a (FIG. 9) precluding a spray pattern of greater angularcircumference. The angular position of the spray deflector 38 relativeto the movable frame 32 causes the resulting spray pattern to bedirected away from the frame 32, as shown in FIG. 4, so that there is nointerference by the frame with the spray.

Shaft 37 is sufficiently long to permit the spray deflector 38 to dropby gravity to a position engageably covering the nozzle 24 (FIG. 5) whenthe device is not in operation (i.e., when there is no water pressure).This particular feature prevents dirt, insects and other matter fromentering the nozzle 24 during period of nonuse, and subsequentlyclogging the output of the device. Normal operating water pressure willforce the spray deflector 38 upward into the position shown in FIG. 6,and it will be maintained in this operating position as long as thewater jet from nozzle 24 continues.

Movable frame 32 includes a tail or rudder member 41 of generaltriangular configuration which extends rearwardly from the verticalmember 33. As shown in FIG. 4, tail member 41 is uniformly thin in crosssection, and it is disposed in a vertical plane which bisects the spraypattern created by deflector 38. As constructed, the tail member 41causes the movable frame 32 to act as a weather vane, sensing the winddirection and pointing the spray deflector 38 directly into the wind.This of course insures that virtually all of the water emanating fromthe spray pattern falls on the annular area directly below the sprayhead 16 in question, rather than being blown by the wind onto anotherarea or away from the field entirely.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of generallytriangularly shaped ailerons 42 project laterally from the angulartrailing edge of tail member 41. As shown, the greatest lateraldimension of the ailerons 42 is near the bottom of the tail member 41,and this lateral dimension decreases in the upward direction. Asconstructed and disposed, the ailerons 42 are always exposed to ahorizontal force component of the wind, and the size of the areas whichthey expose is chosen to permit a wind of sufficient velocity to tip themovable frame 32 into the broken line position shown in FIG. 3. Thus,under strong wind conditions, the spray pattern of deflector 38 not onlyis directed into the wind, but it is also directed angularly downward toprevent the spray from being blown away.

The particular construction of the deflector 38 also helps in thisregard, since it is designed to create a spray of water droplets thatare large enough to resist being blown off course by the wind, as is thecase with a fine spray mist, but not so large as to damage the crop orthe field.

Preferably, the irrigation system 11 is custom designed to the fieldthrough the appropriate selection of spray heads 16 to accomplish theobject of uniform water distribution in the proper amount. As pointedout above, the water distributing capacity of the spray heads 16generally increases as a function of radial distance from the centerpivot. However, this is not necessarily a linear relationship. Forexample, if the field to be irrigated includes areas of appreciabledifference in elevation, it may be desired to provide spray heads 16capable of delivering greater volumes of water in the higher areas, andspray heads 16 capable of delivering lesser volumes of water for thelower areas. This of course would take into account the anticipatedwater run off from the higher to lower areas.

Uniform construction and component interchangeability of the spray heads16 is advantageous in this regard. It will be appreciated that the waterdistributing capacity of a spray head 16 is determined by the size ofpassage 31a in the resilient washer 31, as well as the inner diameter ofnozzle 24. Both of these components are readily interchangeable toobtain the desired water distributing capacity. If further changes arenecessary, it is also possible to interchange the cover portion 23having an outlet of lesser size.

In operation, water is supplied to the irrigation system 11 at thecenter pivot 13 at approximately 20 psi. The system is designed for aminimal pressure drop from the center to the outermost point in theconduit arm with the system on flat ground. Stated otherwise,essentially uniform pressure appears at each of the spray heads 16 wherethere is no difference in elevation over the length of the conduit arm.Thus, when differences in elevation appear, such as between the towers14a and 14f of FIG. 1, the resilient washer 31 of each spray head 16will deform appropriately to maintain a constant volume of water fromthe nozzle 24. This insures that the proper amount of water falls on theannular area which a particular spray head 16 overlies. The spray heads16 always face into the wind due to tail member 41, to insure that allwater falls on the associated annular area; and the ailerons 42 causethe device to tip angularly downward under strong wind conditions toprevent the spray from blowing away.

FIGS. 10-12 disclose an alternative embodiment of the resilient washer,the modified form being generally designated 131. With respect tounmodified structure, like numerals represent the respective components.

Resilient washer 131 is designed to permit a greater flow of water inits undeformed state through the provision of auxiliary flow passages.To this end, resilient washer 131 is constructed to be essentially flatin its undeformed state, presenting a flat inlet surface 131a to theincoming water. The outlet face 131b, however, takes the form of ashallow conical recess capable of being deformed into engagement withthe associated nozzle member 24. A passage 132, having a uniform crosssection in the undeformed state, connects the surfaces 131a, 131b.

As best shown in FIG. 11, the outside diameter of resilient washer 131is slightly less than the inside diameter of cylindrical member 25, thuscreating an annular space 133 therebetween. The washer 131 is maintainedin a centered position through the inclusion of three identical legs134, which are equiangularly spaced on its outer peripheral face andintegrally formed therewith. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, each of thelegs 134 has an axial dimension slightly greater than the thickness ofthe washer 131, which causes the washer 131 to be axially spaced fromthe flange 24a as indicated by the reference numeral 135.

The thickness of the legs 134 is chosen so that the resilient washer 131is frictionally retained within the cylindrical member 25.Alternatively, a retaining ring 28 could be used, although it would haveto be circumferentially discontinuous to permit the passage of water inthe annular space 133.

As constructed, with the resilient washer 131 in its undeformed state,water passes not only through the passage 132, but also through theannular space 133 and axial space 135 to increase the overall volume.This of course occurs when water pressure in the conduit arm has beendecreased and the output volume needs to be maintained constant orincreased. As water pressure increases, the resilient washer 131deforms, thus changing the size of the passage 132 and, as a result,maintaining the volume constant. When water pressure builds upsufficiently, the conical surface 131b begins to engage the flange 24a,thus cutting off the auxiliary volume through the annular space 133.Operation of the device and system is otherwise the same.

FIGS. 13-15 disclose an alternative embodiment of portions of thesprinkler head which accomplish auxiliary flow in the low pressure statein a different manner. With respect to unmodified structure in FIGS.13-15, the same numerals appearing in previous embodiments are againused, with the modified structure bearing new reference numerals.

The overall device, which bears the general reference numeral 141,includes an upright housing 21, of which the lower bowl portion 22 isthe same. Housing 21 includes a modified upper or cover portion 142which is threadably received by the lower portion 22 in sealed relationas in other embodiments. However, the cover 142 does not include anintegrally formed cylindrical member 25. Rather, a separate cylindricalmember 143 is provided which serves to establish a controlled auxiliaryflow under low pressure conditions. The upper portion of auxiliary flowmember 143 defines a nozzle member 143a and the lower cylindricalportion 143b serves to house a resilient washer 31. The auxiliary flowmember 143 is constructed for interchangeability, with the outerdiameter of the nozzle 143a corresponding to the inside diameter of thehousing outlet opening to permit a press fit. As shown in FIGS. 9 and10, the outer top surface of the lower cylindrical portion 143b abutsthe inside bottom surface of the cover portion 142, and the inner topsurface, which is annular in shape, defines a control surface with whichthe washer 41 cooperates.

With additional reference to FIG. 15, the lower cylindrical portion 143bhas formed therein a pair of auxiliary flow channels 143c which aregenerally semicircular in cross section and diametrically opposed. Eachof the flow channels 143c comprises a shallow groove which extendsaxially upward on the inner face of the cylindrical portion 143b, andthen radially inward to a "blind" or dead end position on the controlsurface before it reaches the outlet of the nozzle 143a. As will becomeapparent, it is essential that the auxiliary flow channels 143c extendradially inward to some degree, although the distance may vary with theparticular application.

The resilient washer 31 is frictionally received by the inner surface ofthe lower cylindrical portion 143b, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13depicts the sprinkler head 141 in a low pressure operating state, inwhich the magnitude of water pressure entering the device is incapableof flexing the resilient washer 31. Consequently, the washer 31 remainsin its unflexed or unstressed state, with the opening therethroughremaining of constant diameter to pass the maximum volume of water. Theauxiliary flow channels 143c increase the volume of water passingthrough the nozzle outlet in this low pressure operating state bycreating a bypass flow around the resilient washer 31.

This auxiliary flow continues as long as the water pressure continues tobe low. As soon as water pressure increases, the resilient washer 31begins to flex toward face engagement with the inside top surface of thelower cylindrical portion 143b. Thus, as the control passage of theresilient washer 31 becomes more restrictive, as shown in FIG. 14, thewasher 31 itself also progressively decreases the bypass flow throughthe auxiliary channels 143c until it reaches its flattened position asshown in FIG. 14. In this position, the upper face of the washer 31fully engages the inside top control surface of the auxiliary flowmember 143, thus completely terminating the bypass flow.

The annular area between the cylindrical member 143 and the housing 21retains a pocket of air for shock absorbing purposes in the same manneras the previously described embodiments.

FIGS. 16 and 17 disclose an alternative embodiment of the auxiliary flowmember, which is represented generally by the numeral 151. The soledifference with the auxiliary flow member 141 resides in the inclusionof eight auxiliary passages 151c rather than two such passages. Theauxiliary passages 151c are equiangularly spaced to provide uniform,balanced flow. The increased number of passages increases the volume ofwater passing through the nozzle outlet with the sprinkler headoperating at minimum pressure.

FIGS. 18 and 19 disclose a further alternative embodiment of theauxiliary flow member, which is represented generally by the numeral161. This device includes four equiangularly spaced auxiliary passages161c each of which has a circumferential width greater than its radialdepth, and thus has a greater flow capacity than one of the passages151c. The passages 161c also extend axially upward along the innercylindrical surface of member 161, thereafter tapering radially inwardin a "blind" end.

It will be appreciated that interchangeability of the auxiliary flowmembers 141, 151, 161 permits selection appropriate to the volume ofauxiliary flow required. Thus, for a particular agricultural field, anirrigation system can be custom designed through appropriate selectionof the auxiliary flow devices.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for distributing a spray of water,comprising:(a) housing means adapted for connection to a source of waterand constructed to create a jet of water; (b) spray deflector meansdisposed relative to the housing means for intercepting the jet of waterand deflecting it into a spray pattern of predetermined shape anddirectional orientation; (c) the spray deflector means being rotatablycarried by the housing means for rotational movement to vary thedirectional orientation of said spray pattern; (d) and wind sensingmeans associated with the spray deflector means for sensing winddirection and positioning the spray deflector means to direct the spraypattern into the wind.
 2. The device defined by claim 1, wherein thehousing means is constructed to issue said jet of water verticallyupward, and the spray deflector means is constructed and disposed todeflect the water jet generally laterally outward into said spraypattern.
 3. The device defined by claim 2, wherein the wind sensingmeans comprises a vertically disposed tail member carried by the housingmeans for rotation with the spray deflector means and arranged relativethereto for operation in weather vane fashion.
 4. The device defined byclaim 3, wherein the tail member is of substantially uniform crosssection.
 5. The device defined by claim 3, wherein the tail member andspray deflector means are commonly carried by frame means that iscarried by the housing means for rotation relative thereto about apredetermined axis.
 6. The device defined by claim 5, wherein thepredetermined axis is substantially vertical.
 7. The device defined byclaim 3, wherein the tail member is generally triangular in shape. 8.The device defined by claim 3, wherein the tail member is disposed in aplane that substantially bisects the spray pattern.
 9. The devicedefined by claim 1, wherein the spray deflecting means is carried fortipping movement relative to the housing means and the verticallyupwardly issuing jet of water, and further comprising second windsensing means for sensing wind strength and for tipping the spraydeflecting means as a function of wind strength.
 10. The device definedby claim 9, wherein the spray deflecting means and first and second windsensing means are commonly carried by frame means that rotates and tipsrelative to the housing means.
 11. The device defined by claim 10,wherein the second wind sensing means comprises at least one aileronangularly disposed to a horizontal plane.
 12. The device defined byclaim 11, wherein the first wind sensing means comprises a vertical tailmember and the aileron projects laterally from the tail member.
 13. Theapparatus defined by claim 10, wherein the first wind sensing meanscomprises a vertical tail member, and the second wind sensing meanscomprises first and second identical ailerons projecting laterally andsymmetrically from opposite sides of the vertical tail member.
 14. Thedevice defined by claim 13, wherein the vertical tail member isgenerally triangular in shape with the trailing edge thereof incliningupwardly at an angle relative to a horizontal plane, and the first andsecond ailerons project laterally from said trailing edge.
 15. Thedevice defined by claim 14, wherein the lateral dimension of eachaileron decreases in the upward direction.
 16. The device defined byclaim 9, wherein:(a) the housing means defines a vertical axis and firstand second bearing regions; (b) and the frame means comprises first andsecond vertically spaced horizontal members each of which terminates ina collar constructed to rotatably cooperate with one of the bearingregions.
 17. The device defined by claim 16, wherein at least one of thecollars defines an elongated opening constructed to permit lateralmovement of the collar relative to its associated bearing region andwith respect to said vertical axis to effect said tipping movement. 18.The device defined by claim 16, wherein the frame means furthercomprises a third horizontal member vertically spaced above the firstand second horizontal members and overlying the housing means, the spraydeflector means being mounted on the third horizontal member.
 19. Thedevice defined by claim 18, wherein:(a) the housing means defines anoutlet from which the jet of water issues; (b) and the spray deflectormeans is supported by the third horizontal member for vertical movementrelative to said outlet between a first position protectively coveringthe outlet and a second position spaced from the outlet to create saidspray pattern.
 20. The device defined by claim 1, wherein the spraydeflector means comprises:(a) a spray deflecting member defining acentral area for receiving and deflecting the water jet; (b) a pluralityof vanes associated with the spray deflecting member and radiallyarranged relative to the central area, said plurality of vanes occupyinga circumferential region of less than 360°; (c) and blocking meansassociated with the spray deflecting member for precluding thedeflection of water other than toward said circumferential region. 21.The device defined by claim 20, wherein the central area comprises acentral recess circumferentially bounded and defined in part by theblocking means and in part by said radial vanes.
 22. The device definedby claim 21, wherein the blocking means comprises a continuous arcuatesegment of predetermined thickness.
 23. The device defined by claim 22,wherein the spray deflecting member is generally circular in shape, andthe radial vanes and arcuate segment are integrally formed therewith.